$125,000 in prize money including a $5,000 honorarium if you are chosen to attend

No obligatory repertory except for one Beethoven sonata of your choice, and one of the generally studied piano quintets

All expenses paid during the competition

A professional CD and several concert appearances for the first prize winner

A festival like atmosphere with emphasis on artistic and original interpretation

Lasts one week (three days for those who don't become finalists)

Not a "winner takes all" competition; financial help and artistic guidance are extended to nonwinners who Vendome finds particularly interesting

Prestigious location at the Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon, one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

First class accommodations, hospitality and practice availability

Jury of world famous artists who can help your career even if you don't win. We include conductors and presenters who can give you concerts

Play with one of Europe's most distinguished orchestras and quartets

There will be no publication or public announcement of who will have been invited. The only publicity will be for the four winners.

No piano teachers are on the jury of the finals.